Aerobic exercise
Shape up with cardiovascular activities.
Aerobic dance
Don't expect to be lying around on a mat doing leg lifts here - this is the one that leaves you looking like you went swimming fully clothed. If you like dancing this is your party; it's choreographed exercise put to music, and the calorie burning is high. On the downside, it can be easy to lose your place and never catch up if you've never done this kind of class before. Don't worry, though, once you've been a few times, you'll soon get the hang of it.
What will you need?
Basic gym clothes and about a fiver for your class each week - or invest in one of those 'dancercise' videos and prance around in the privacy of your own home.
Aqua aerobics
If you love splashing around but aren't into doing lengths, try this. It's basically aerobics in a swimming pool using props like float dun bells and wiggle sticks. You can't feel the strain when you're exercising, so you push yourself further than you would out of the water and get more toned, and because you're in the water, you don't need to worry about getting it wrong as no-one can really see what you're doing! The water also acts as a good support, so it's difficult to come out with a serious injury, and can be a good solution if you already have an injury (although make sure your instructor is aware of it first). Oh, and the best part of all is the giggle factor - all you do is laugh and fall over in the first session, and you're usually surrounded by lots of overweight middle-aged women, so you'll feel young and fab before you've even moved a muscle!
What will you need?
Swimming costume/trunks - and a towel!
Step aerobics
Getting on, off, over, across and around a 'step' (rectangular block) over and over (and over) again. Don't worry about boredom setting in, though - knee lifts, claps, turns and sequences are all introduced to make the whole thing a lot more interesting - and tricky. Step aerobics is great for weight loss, and only has half the impact of running, so it's better for your joints, and works as a great toner on your legs and arse, just beware of the impact on your knees and lower back.
What will you need?
Normal gym wear and trainers.
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